Analysis & Reports

Space Force launched a new satellite for orbital warfare training from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, on February 12. This satellite will enable Space Force guardians to conduct offensive maneuvers and avoid adversaries in orbit. Space Delta 9 will operate the satellite, which is distinct from previous training satellites. The initiative aligns with the Space Force's ongoing focus on developing capabilities for orbital warfare.

Space Force launched a new prototype for orbital warfare training from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, on February 12, 2023. This prototype aims to enhance the maneuvering capabilities of Space Force guardians in space. The GSSAP system, which includes satellites for space situational awareness, will support these operations. Space Delta 9 is designated to operate the new training asset.

Israel Defense Forces are conducting simultaneous strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iranian targets. Following missile launches from Lebanon into Israel, the IDF targeted senior Hezbollah commanders and infrastructure in Beirut. The Israeli Navy also attacked weapon storage sites used by Hezbollah in Tyre.

Photonis Defense Inc. was awarded a US$352.6 million contract by the U.S. Army for the development, production, and testing of the Binocular Night Observation Device (BiNOD) on March 2, 2026. The contract is set to be completed by February 27, 2033, and will utilize the company's facility in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. This award follows a competitive selection process and marks a significant step in Exosens' expansion in the U.S. defense market.

Lockheed Martin successfully tested AI-enhanced targeting capabilities for the F-35 fighter jet at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada on February 23, 2023. The AI model integrates with the aircraft's information control system to assist pilots in identifying potential targets. This marks the first instance of a tactical AI model independently recommending combat targets to pilots, as the U.S. Air Force aims to incorporate AI as a force multiplier in its operations.

The U.S. Army awarded a prototype agreement to Textron Systems Corporation for the Low Altitude Stalking & Strike Ordnance (LASSO) program, which includes the development of the Damocles loitering munition system. This system is designed to provide Infantry Brigade Combat Teams with precision strike capabilities against armored vehicles and hardened targets. The agreement was announced last week and aims to enhance the Army's operational effectiveness in complex terrain.

The UK military has deployed a Type 45 destroyer and two Wildcats to the Levant, actively intercepting Iranian missiles and drones. This operation is ongoing, and the UK has chosen not to participate in US-Israeli strikes.

BBN Technologies is developing a long-range X-ray imaging system under DARPA's XENA program in Cambridge and Atlanta. This system aims to enhance battlefield situational awareness by analyzing objects from distances up to one kilometer, utilizing advanced algorithms to reconstruct hidden geometries. The project addresses challenges such as data sparsity and motion blur, potentially enabling military units to assess concealed threats and structural vulnerabilities from safe distances.

The U.S. Department of Defense will hold a press conference on March 2 at 8 AM EST to discuss military operations against Iran, specifically the 'Epic Fury' operation. Key officials, including Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley, will provide updates on the situation.

The U.S. Air Force is accelerating the production of the B-21 Raider stealth bomber, with plans to have it operational at Ellsworth Air Force Base by 2027. Supported by $4.5 billion in funding, the program aims to expand the stealth bomber fleet from 19 B-2 Spirits to 100 B-21 Raiders, enhancing U.S. strategic capabilities against emerging threats.

The Pentagon announced a ban on military members attending universities such as Columbia, Yale, and Harvard, citing concerns over anti-American sentiments and 'wokeness'. This policy, announced by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, will take effect next school year and aims to sever ties with institutions perceived as undermining military values. The decision follows previous actions against Harvard and reflects ongoing tensions between the military and certain educational institutions.

Iran launched a large-scale counterattack against U.S. and Israeli military bases from February 28 to March 1, 2023, following airstrikes by Israel and the U.S. The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reported significant casualties, with 560 U.S. military personnel affected. Over 100 Israeli fighter jets participated in airstrikes targeting Iranian command centers, while Iran claimed to have attacked 27 U.S. military bases in the region.

Senator Tim Kaine is forcing a vote on a war powers resolution this week in Washington, aiming to limit President Trump's military actions in Iran. Three US servicemembers were killed and five wounded during operations in Kuwait, with Trump indicating the conflict may last up to four weeks. The US military employed B-2 bombers and F-35 fighter jets in these operations, which have sparked political division among lawmakers.

On March 1, the Israel Defense Forces announced the mobilization of 100,000 reservists and the deployment of ground forces to border areas with Syria, Lebanon, Gaza Strip, and West Bank. The Air Force, Navy, and Intelligence units have also been reinforced. Logistical support will be provided to ensure reservists can operate under optimal conditions.

The F-16 Fighting Falcon has evolved significantly over its 50-year service, transitioning from a dogfighter to a multi-role aircraft. It features advanced systems like the AN/APG-83 AESA radar and the Angry Kitten electronic warfare suite. The aircraft is currently showcased by the U.S. Air Force at Shaw Air Force Base, demonstrating its combat capabilities. The latest models can operate for up to 12,000 hours, reflecting extensive upgrades and modernization efforts.

The U.S. Air Force is developing the F-47 Next Generation Air Dominance fighter, expected to have a combat radius of over 1,000 nautical miles and exceed Mach 2. The first flight is anticipated by 2028, with plans to acquire at least 185 units. This program is part of a broader effort to streamline military acquisitions and enhance air superiority capabilities.

Aggressor F-16s overwhelmed U.S. Air Force F-35s at Nellis Air Force Base during Red Flag 2017 using swarm tactics. The F-35 achieved a 20:1 kill ratio but faced vulnerabilities when forced into close-range engagements, where its limited missile capacity and stealth advantages were compromised. This incident highlights the effectiveness of saturation tactics in modern air combat.

The U.S. Army plans to procure 50 Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicles (AMPVs) for $250 million to replenish M113 armored personnel carriers sent to Ukraine. This procurement aims to restore armored vehicle inventories following significant military aid deliveries since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The contract award is expected before April 2025, with the AMPV serving as a modern replacement for the aging M113 platform.

Boeing is developing the F-47 Next Generation Air Dominance fighter, set for its maiden flight in 2028, with production currently underway in St. Louis. The F-47 will replace the F-22, featuring advanced stealth, a combat radius of 1,000 nautical miles, and the capability to control AI-driven Collaborative Combat Aircraft drones. The program aims for operational fielding by the early 2030s, with a fleet goal of over 185 units.

The U.S. Air Force issued a Request for Information on February 26, 2026, to identify contractors capable of sustaining life support systems for the U-2 high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft. This initiative aims to maintain critical pilot survival equipment and ensure operational readiness across all deployment locations. Responses from interested companies are required by March 26, 2026.